Today I have been questioning why I continue writing this blog. Over the past few weeks I had hopes of really focusing on it and developing the website into something very prosperous, maybe even adding a video blog or podcast. However today, and honestly a few times in the past, I am considering shutting the operation down.
There are numerous reasons why getting out of blogging may be a positive thing for me.
For one, it takes up a lot of time. This would be especially true if I decide to go through with the overhaul of the site. My ideal state would be to be making all my money off this blog, getting free gear and sponsorship dollars to simply train and race, have a family, and be excited about everything I do.
Second, I am sick of disagreeing with people. Vegan vs paleo vs zone diet vs whatever. Barefoot vs minimalist vs traditional shoes. Religion vs non theism.
Plus, the big issue, does anyone really care? Also, why do I care if anyone cares? I almost feel selfish writing a blog. Am I really helping anyone here?
However, I do want to help people, and that is something I feel I can never help but do. I become incredibly frustrated and angry when I see the ignorance in this world. Everything from going to the grocery store and seeing what people are eating to seeing sick people being taken advantage of by the pharmaceutic companies. How little do they know that the choices they have made in the past 40 years of their lives probably were a direct cause of their diseased state today. As Tim VanOrden put it, people are committing suicide by their food choices. Some do it instantly with a gun, some do it in 30 years with poor health choices.
There seems to be two types of bloggers in the running world. One type is the kind of person who is really not that of an accomplished runner. Nothing against them, they are just not out there winning races. They are spending so much time and energy producing extremely quality content however. The first blog that comes to mind is RunBlogger. That is one of my favorite websites, it is packed full of great information. The next type of blogger is someone who barely posts any content at all, but their credibility comes from performance. The first people who come to mind here are Anton Krupicka, one of the greatest ultra marathoners of our time, and Tim VanOrden, USA Masters Mountain Runner of the Year and 7 time holder of a US Masters Running Title. They seriously do not put out a ton of content, and I know they do not spend hours and hours and hours each week researching and writing, yet they have a huge following and are also making significant positive impacts on people's lives.
Instead of spending (wasting?) time writing, reading, and researching, maybe I just need to put away the keyboard and get the hell outside and run. Get into the gym and get some training done. Maybe instead of trying to make positive impact on people's live through writing, I should do it purely through performance and showing what can be done on a good diet and lifestyle. "Here's what can happen if you begin making mindful choices about nutrition and activity". I could up the training and really make a good resume for myself. Maybe someone somewhere will see me and decide to make a change.
I would never shut this down completely, but maybe cool it a little bit on the time spent in front of a computer screen.
5 comments:
Bud, You and I couldn't be more different..I am a baptist, you are an atheist..I loathe running, you love running. I read your blog because I admire your commitment to living your life as close to you ideals and beliefs (it's called integrity) as you can. I admire that in anyone. I think you can write...but you should write what you believe. I do. It scares people away after a while or it inspires people. There is no debate to be had..it's what you believe. Don't argue, just do.
I like reading. Hope you will continue to write, even sparingly.
I enjoy your blog and hope you keep it going. I understand the dilemma.
Thanks guys! Like I said on facebook, Lately I have just been going through all of my options with what I want to do with my life. Blog and training included :p No worries, the blog is not going anywhere. I am just hoping to maybe stream line it a bit, give it some focus you know? I just deleted the majority of my old posts and only kept the ones worth reading, so that is a start!
I've been blogging for nearly 8 years now. I come and go, and there have been times where I take it off line because I need a break.
Love your blog, even though I'm sure I'll always wear shoes, eat too much candy and likely never run a 100-miler. Like Christine, I enjoy your perspective and it makes me think hard about the food I'm eating and the quality of my training.
Keep going.. DON'T QUIT! You are on mile marker 45 of a 100 mile run. You have a lot of information to give ppl, don't hold back. You are very talented. Plus I enjoy reading them. Miss your face!! :)
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